Orientation and Mobility Specialist

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS), Erie District Office is looking for a dedicated Orientation and Mobility Specialist to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities. This position provides a full range of rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. If you are searching for a rewarding career and are dedicated to improving the lives of others, this is the job for you!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, you will promote optimal personal and social adjustment to blindness, leading to self-sufficiency and independent living. Through instruction and consultation, you will be contributing to the customer's rehabilitation process. Your focus will be on assessing customers referred to Orientation and Mobility by collecting and reviewing reports and information, conferring with staff, interviewing customers, observing current level of functioning to develop an individualized plan of instruction, and making referrals for appropriate services. You will have the opportunity to develop an individualized service plan that contains a schedule of instruction based on objectives and recommendations in coordination with the Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, and Social Services plan.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Erie. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Most employees will start at the beginning level of the advertised salary.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the commonwealth’s Orientation and Mobility Intern program; or
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree or certificate from an approved college or university program in orientation and mobility that includes a practicum ; or
• Possession of an active Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). 
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credit.